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TWO 



DISCOURSES, 

CONTAINING THE 

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY 

IN 

DELIVERED DECEMBER 16, 1821 ; BEING THE FIRST LORD's DAV ^^ETEK 

THE COiMPLETION OF A CENTURY 

FROM THE 

GATHERING OF THE CHURCH IN THAT PLACE, AND 
THE ORDINATION OF THE FIRST PASTOR. 

WITH « 

A GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF COHASSET. 



BY JACOB FLINT, 

Minister of that Town. 



BOSTON : 

PRINTED BV MUNROE AND FRANCIS, NO. 4, CORNIULI 
CORNER OF WATER-STREET. 

1822. 



1 — . . 



TO THOSE, BY AVHOSE SUBSCRIPTION THE FOLLOWING HISTORY 
OF COHASSET IS PUBLISHED, 
AND TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY 
WHICH IT DESCRIBES, 
IT IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY 

THEIR SINCERE AND OBLIGED FRIEND, 

THt AUTHOR. 



^^^ ^ 



DISCOURSE I. 



Jeremiah vi. 16. 
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old 
paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for 
your souls. 

IVJL OST of you, my hearers, drew your first breath, tasted 
your earliest pleasures, and formed the most tender and at- 
tractive associations within the limits of what is now called 
Cohasset. If you have that attachnjcnt to tiie place of your 
nativity which is said, by apiofound statesman and scholar,* 
to be felt by every virtuous mind an *» attachment tender 
and sublime, which vibrates in every fibre, and is interming- 
led with every affection of the heart," you will feel a lively 
interest in whatever relates to tliis town, tlie birth place of 
your fathers and yourselves, and which has furnished the 
principal scenes of your labours, pleasures, and liopes. 

It has been a laudable practice for serious and grateful 
minds to commemorate, at remarkable periods, God's good- 
ness and mercies tov.ards them, manifested by his ever- 
watchful and beneficent Providence. Speaking in the name 
of the church .and people of Israel, I will mention, said the 
prophet, the loving kindness of the Lord, accordir.g to all 
that he hath bestowed on us. 

The fourth dayf of the last week completed a century, 
since the first gathering of » a Churcjj, and the ordination 
of a pastor in this place.' I have thought it might afford 
useful instruction, and gratify a laudable curiosity, to pre- 
sent to your contemplation a concise history of tiie divine 
Providence with your fathers and yourselves, from the first 
settlement of the town to the present time. You are now in 
the place, where you may see, and ask for the old paths, and 
learn where is the good wav, that you may walk therein and 
find rest for your souls. 

Hon. J. Q. Adam?. + December 13; 1S21 



The town of Uinj^liam, whirh, till 1770, included Cohas- 
set, was settled by the Rev. Peter Ilobai-t, with part of a 
ehiirch and congrc.^ation to which he had been pastor, in 
llin.i^ham, County of Norfolk, in Great Britain. Debai'red 
the iree exercise of their civil and religious rights, they, like 
the pilgrims at Plymouth, fled to the wilderness in New 
England for tlie enjoyment of that freedom to which as ra- 
tional beings they weie entitled, and that religious liberty 
wherewitli Christ had made them free. Their arrival was 
in the year 1635 ; and liaving obtained from the natives, deeds 
of land to form their town, on September 18 the same year 
they held tlieir first meeting for civil purposes, which they 
called a town meeting ; and their town, from the name of 
that they had left, they called Hingliam.* 

Their pastor was respectable for his talents and christian 
piety. liis descendants have been many, a considerable 
number of whom have been graduated at Harvard Univer- 
sity ; and some of them eminent preachers of the Gospel. 
The Ilingham company preserved, geneially, a good stand- 
ing with the natives. And, excejiting a dispute on the sub- 
ject of military election and liberty of conscience, whicii in 
1645, interrupted the harmony of the town, and made some 
difficulty in the province,! and a violent contest in regard to 
the placing of a meeting-house, in which the interference of 
the general court was required ; the social order of the 
inliabitants has been good. The constant and liberal pro- 
vision, whicli they made for the suj)port of public worship 
and schools for the young, with their general attention to 
the ordinances of religion, for a hundred and seventy years, 
furnish good evidence that the first settlei's were wise and 
good men, that they educated their children in such princi- 
]>!es and habits as rendered them useful and happy citizens 
and rational christians. 

15y the descendants of these men, with others of virtuous 
charactei', the town of Cohassct was fust settled. Tlie 
names of seven, viz. Cushing, Lincoln, Tower, Beal, 
James, and Sutton, found among the first Hingham company, 
with those of Bates, Pratt, Kent, Orcutt, Stoddard, and 
Nichols, from other places, were the names of those daunt- 
less and worthy men, who first laboured to subdue the soil 
in this place, which was then called Conohassct, an Indian 
name, signifying a fishing pi-omontory. 

The parts of the town first imp'roved, were those which 
have received the names. Rocky-nook, Jerusalem, Mill 

" See Manuscript of D. Cushing, 2d T Clerk, Hing, 

t See Hubbarci's History of New England, and papers in the Cabinet of 
the Historical Society. 



street, extend in,s^ to the harbour, the Plain, and Bcarhwood 
street. They were, as well as I can learn, settled surces- 
sively in the order above named. To these parts your pro- 
genitors came, the most of them with their families ; and 
their perseverance and success evince that they possessed 
much christian fortitude, patience of labour, and pious trust 
in the j^ood pr<»vidence of God. The greater part of the 
soil, Ihougli of a good quality, was so much interspersed with 
rocks, many from their size immoveable, as to render their 
prospect rather dreaiy and forbidding. But having Fling- 
ham on their south-west, and Scituate south, adjoining them, 
which were now flourishing plantations, with their shores 
abounding with fish of the best kinds, they were not discour- 
aged. They took their stand ; and wrought with industry 
and patience, devoutly looking to God for protection and a 
blessing on their labours. Be gave them his blessing. He 
gave them, by his providence and his word, health, supplies, 
and peace of mind, and enabled them to prepare a goodly 
heritage for their children, unto the third and fourth gen- 
eration, as it is this day. 

How early some few families settled within the limits of 
this town, i cannot now ascertain with certainty ; probably, 
in the year 1670 ; for about that time, Coiiohasset, from be- 
ing all undiv ided comnion land of Hing!)am, was divided 
among its proprietors* All, however, who became residents 
here, till 1714, when 'they obtained liberty to build a house 
of worship,' considered then)selves as belonging to tlie re- 
ligious society of Hingham. With that town they acted in 
all civil and religious matters. Thither, bad and long as 
the roads were, they repaired to worsJiip on the Lord's day, 
and there they buried their dead. But in the year last 
mentioKed, their numbers and substance had increased to 
such a degree, that they felt themselves able to support a 
minister, and provide instruction for their childien. Ac- 
cordingly in the year 1714, they petitioned the town of 
Hingham to remit to them their ministerial and school taxes. 
But their petition for this object, however just and reason- 
able, was twice rejected ; nor could they obtain the pi'iv- 
ileges of a parish, till the next year, when for this purpose 
they made a successful petition to the general court. 

Uavii!g a house of worship, they probably had preaching 
in it before they invited the candidate whom they settled as 
their first pastor. Mr. Nehemiah Hobart came to jjrcach 
to them in July 13, 1721 ; and as the custom was, before 
the forming of a church, he »♦ preached a fast,'' and contin- 
ued with them, till December 13, of the same year, when 

' See Town Records of Hinprham 



the. churrl) was or(^anizp(l, and the pastoral cbai'.e;e of it, by 
solemn ordination, was committed to him. On that occasion 
tl'o services were as follows : Introductory prayer by Rev. 
Ehen. Gay of Hingliam : Sermon by Rev. Daniel Lewis of 
Pembroke : Charj^e by Rev. Nathaniel Pitcher of Scitiiate : 
Ri.e;lit Hand of Fellowship bv Rev. Samuel Whitman of 
Hull. 

After his ordination, the Rev. Mr. Hobart wrote, in his 
book of records, the following reflections. <» my soul, 
never da»e to forj^ct that day, and the solemn charge I re- 
cei\ed thereon, but be mindful of 2 Tim. iv. 1, 2, the 
preacher's text ; that at the last I may be able to say as in 
Acts XX. 26, 27. I take you to record this day, that I am 
pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to de- 
clare unto you all the counsel of God." 

Thus, my hearers, one hundred years ago, the inhabitahts 
of this town took the important character of a distinct 
christian church and society. They no longer travelled 
far. through rough and dreary ways, to worship. In the 
midst of tliem they had built a house for God. Their eyes 
beheld in it their christian priest clothed with salvation. 
There was the ark of their strength, and the testi- 
mony of their faith and hope, and there we trust, they wor- 
shipped the Father, in spirit and truth. 

As a new society, they were weak in numbers and 
wealth. According to tijeir ability their first house of wor- 
ship was small and without expensive ornaments. It was, I 
have been told, about 35 feet long and 25 wide, with 
pulpit, pews, and seats of planed boards, of simple construc- 
tion. 'i\) tliem, however, it was probably quite as expensive 
as was the temple of Solomon, to those who built that mag- 
nificent edifice. 

At the formation of his church, Mr. Hobart drew np a well 
written instrument, not as a creed, but a covenant, in which 
are lecognized their obligations to God and Jesus Christ, 
and in wiiich are made their solemn vows to live, by God's 
aid, in cluistian obedience, brotherly love, and mutual as- 
sistance. After a preamble, expressive of their belief, that 
they were called of God to unite together in the bands of 
Gospel communion and fellowship, it proceeds in the follow- 
ing words. " We do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
in the presence of God, and the holy angels, explicitly and 
expressly covenant and bind ourselves in manner and form 
ftdlowiiig, viz. We do give up ourselves to God, whose 
name alone is Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. To 
God the Father, as our chief and only good:* and nnto our 

* It would seem from his words, that he did not consider Jesus Christ equal 
with the Father, nor the Holy Spirit any thing distinct from God's influence. 



Lord Jesus Christ, as our prophet, priest, ami kins:, and on- 
ly Mediator of the covenant of e^race ; and unto tlie Spirit 
of God, as our only sanctifier and comfoiter. And we do 
givp up ourselves one unto another in tlie Lord. co\ er.anting; 
and promisiuj? to walk toj^ether as a churcli of Chiist, in 
all ways of his own itistitution, arcordinaj to theprescrintiojis 
of his holy word, promisin,^ that with all tendpiiiess and 
brotherly love, we will with all faithfulness, watch over each 
other's souls, and that we will freely yield up oursclvos to 
the discipline and power of Christ in his cluirih, and attend 
whatever ordinances Christ hath appointed and declared in 
his word ; and wherein we fail, and come short of duty, to 
wait upon him for pai-don and remission, heseechiuj^ him to 
make our spirits steadfast in his covenant, and to owu us as 
his church and covenant people forever. Amon." Tiiis was 
subscrihed by Nehemiah Hobart, Jolni Orcutt, Stephen 
Stoddard, Thomas James, John Jacob, Ebenezer Kent. Jo- 
seph Bates, and Elijah Vinal jun. Soon aftor. followed the 
names of eighteen other persons, who were admitted totlicir 
communion. 

Li the call and settlement of Mr. Hobart, there seems to 
have been a perfect agreement of the whole society. There 
is no account, either from record or tradition, of opposition 
by any one. And this harmony appears to have continued 
during the nineteen years of his ministry. In him was 
found an excellent spirit. His character, which I early ob- 
tained fi-om aged pei'sons. who knew it, and from some of 
his writings which I possess, appears to have been that of a 
truly devout, cidightened, and liberal divine. He had tal- 
ents as a preacher, and virtues as a christian, which would 
have rendered him instructive and acceptable, in a leai-ned 
and more nuinerous society. His worth was not much 
known abroad, but was justly and highly appi-eciated by his 
early instructer, neighbour, and constant friend, the excel- 
lent Gay. Whatever be a preaciier's talents and worth, his 
reputation will depeiul much on the celebrity of the situation 
in which he is placed, ajid of the cliaractcrs with whom he 
is connected. The celebrated Cotton. Mathers, and May- 
hews v.ere. it is belie\ed, great and good : but they were 
spurred by the hope of fame, as well as tlie love of God and 
their fellow-men. Placed in a populous and distinguished 
town, they were connected with men eminent in the literary 
and political world, who assisted to spread their fame. Co- 
nohasset, far in the bay, had little connection with societies. 
or men, who liad made rnucli advancement in letters and 
taste. It was seldom visited by strangers ; and its inhabit- 
ants, though respectable for their natural powers atul chiis- 
tian virtues, had neiMier leisure nor means to record arid 
publish their preacher's worth. 



8 

Tlic Rev. Nchemiah Kobarf was born in the first parish of 
Hinghani, and wastlie son of David HobaitEsq. and grand- 
son of Rev. Peter Hobart of that town. He was {graduated 
at Harvard Collej^e in the year 1714. He died in 1740, in 
the 43 year of his age. As he had lived beloved, be died 
much lamented by the people of his charge. He sleeps in 
the centre burying ground, and has a decent stone to tell 
where he lies. He was twice married, having seven chil- 
dren by his first wife, and none by his last. Tbi-ee of bis 
children he buried in tiieir infancy, and left one son and 
three daughters. These all continued to a good old age, 
respectable for their understandings, and christian habits. 
The son mr)ved to Connecticut, two of bis daughters married 
in Cohasset, and one still survives, at the age of 87, and is 
wife of the venerable Deacon Kent, now in his 9iid year. 
Dui'ing Mr. Hobait's ministry, 77 persons were admitted to 
the church, 277 children and 27 adults were baptized, and 80 
couples were united in marriage. The number of deaths 
were 116: 70 of this number were children under 8 years of 
age, 30 of v,hom died of an inflammatory sore throat. 

The first deacon was John Jacob, a man whose memory 
ought to be dear to the church and society. He was the 
society's agent in procuring their parochial privileges. The 
husband of one wife, a worthy woman ; without chiblren; 
witli a benevolent mind and considerable property, he seem- 
ed to adopt the society as bis particular charge. He posses- 
sed their confidence, and used it in all respects, for their ben- 
efit. His caic for bis own spiritual improvement, and for 
the reputation of the church, was manifested by his constant 
attention to public worship and the sacred ordinances of re- 
ligion, and by a handsome donation of plate, which he made 
to the table of communion. I received his character from 
the late Thomas Lotbrop Esq. whom the deacon educated and 
made bis principal heir ; and into whose mind, naturally 
strong, be early instilled that love of religion, knowledge, 
and usefulness, which under God, qualified this nephew, to 
discharge acceptably, in mature years, the duties of every 
important office in the gift of the town, and to be long known 
and respected as a legislator and magistrate of tiiis Com- 
monwealth. The memory of the just is blessed. 

The second deacon was Joseph Bates, a man of some dis- 
tinction, from his piety and useful acquirements. He was 
the first Treasurer and Clerk of the society. The third 
deacon was Lazarus Beal, a devout man, and of good report 
among all who knew him. He commanded his children a^nd 
household after him, that they should keep the way of the 
Lord. The two deacons, who now officiate in the church, 
arc his grandsons. 



The early condition of tlie society here was, in some rc^ 
spects, preferable to that of the settlers in many other new 
places. They were .generally well inured to the climate, hav- 
ini^ been born in Hin.^ham, or some place in New En.sjland. 
Most of them, either from patrimony or industry, possessed 
a competent property, with which to begin their improve- 
ments, without the fear of immediate want. Looking above 
the log-house,* they framed their houses of hewn timber, 
and covered them decently, making them generally two sto- 
ries in height. The house of tlieir pastor, now in its hun- 
dredth year, built of the firmest oak, is a large and still a 
handsome, valuable house ; and with proper care, may re- 
main so, it is thought, a century to come. The wild men 
and beasts of prey, had generally retired from tlieir prom- 
ontory. The inhabitants early built vessels and convenient 
landing places, by which they availed themselves of the 
treasures of the sea, and profitably transported to market, 
in the metropolis, their redundancy of wood. Having roads 
barely passible, and leading throiigli their own to no pluce 
but the bay, they were little connected with elder societies. 
This led them to draw more closely the bands of their own. 
Their marriages were generally among themselves ; so that 
a large portion of the members became connected by blood j 
and continue so, in an uncommon degree, to the present day. 
Truly neighbours to each other, they had innocent social en- 
joyments. Places of temptation to excess, were then un- 
known, as places of common resort. After the labours of 
the day, unceremonious visits were frequently made at each 
others houses, where they would talk of the good providence 
of God to New England, the ways of promoting the wel- 
fare of their church and society, and make common stock of 
useful or entertaining anecdotes, which any one had acquir- 
ed. Having the bountiful cow, and the bees tamed from 
the forest, their dwellings flowed with milk and honey; and 
they could, with the * broiled fish ami a little honey-comb,' 
with other materials, which the house afforded, furnish a so- 
cial repast, far more friendly to health, virtue, and cheerful- 
ness, than can be found in all the luxuries which load the 
most fashionable boards of modern conviviality. Speaking 
of the early state of society here, it was remarked to me by 
an aged member — " They had every thing that heart could 
wish.'' 

Feeling that public worship, with attention to christian 
ordinances, was necessary, no less to their social prosperity, 
than their spiritual improvement and comfort, the church 
and society lost no time, after the death of Mr. Hobart, be- 
fore they took measures suitable to fill his place with anoth- 

"^ A log-houf5e wa^, I believp. never built in Conoha^set. 
2 



10 



cr well educated and respectable mstm- 'in 
candidates of ^ood character .hnt^fr i ''^^ ^'"^^^^^ 
find one in ^^iLtleyc^^^^^^ 
ams, Hancock Oav Lwi f J, . '"^^ '^^'"''^ » Mr. ^ 

I" re^,ard to ».'n/inL' i/ e.werrnot :; """' ?^^^^ 

liear many candJdafP« Jc \. V^ ... * '" ""^ »""il- ^ 

to divisioY T ev^^^^^ ' :l ^^" ,1" . ^".>^ P^^i«''. It ten, 

ifications of a p eSr bef^w^" '''' '.^^''''''' ^^^ ^^^ 

'•ear with a view to \,L.'vP ! ^ f'"^''^^ '"'"' ^"'^ th( 

Mr. FowJe, Iiov:;v pflTf ^som^e time""' ^'" ^''^'^''^^^^ < 

rented to his ordination wLhTi^'' ''I?'''''' ^" ^^^'« ^o" 

On that occasion, R^v.' Wi ia.^^^^^^^^^ '^4 

^vlth prayer; l?ev. Hull \huTi Pn "^ ^^^y mouth be^a 

Rev. IVathaniel Ee l7s of tc nlf!^ Charlestown preached 

Ebenezer Gay of H inXni Ivp .P'"- *^ ^h^''^*^ '^ Re. 

ship. -^ «'".§nam gave the right hand of fellow 

n.arks, refl^^lf/n "and Sp sll^ "r'^'v."^* " ^^ ^^^ '- 
on this most solemn occasfon bv r i/'V'' "'^ '^^"^ ««"^' "P 
in.y new private iournaf fi ! ' *! ^""^ ^ ^^^''^' «''»" enter in 

-as verv wonderful, as ti's n ' matl ^^ ^^" ^^^ 

the people, about my ordination «^- u '^'^•^''^'"^e among 
settled, and which, thatTmay n f 1'? '""''^ '^^^'^ »P «"5 
lean hut bopefo^n/LlKLtfr^'^r^^'^^^ 
of -ny reason! shall i/said journ^ m.te d' '"^'i" Possession 
MIS pray the Father that my /ai 1 1, ?' ^"'^ '^^- 

l^or who s sufficient for these thi.l^s"' "''" ^"^ ^"'^"• 

f'l^^^^'or'^s;::::,^^^ m. Fowief.,ta 

l^y good judges to be a ml r ^'^\ ^^ ^^"^ «"'>wed, 
Landsomeicq^uirements,- ""fo/tr'^^'r'^' .genius, and 
popular preacher. But he wa« *'''''''' ^*'^''« ^^s a 

theil.sh,a mostirrka leL vouT^^^^^ thorn in 

•Jerod hiui unequal in his unvi.^ temperament, which ren- 
peevishand irreg iTr. hFs ^Sr^^ ^"^' ^t*''^>^s» Qnite 
the number of hi! opposers t ll i^ ^ increasing, increised 

'as pastoral relation^ the fi yea'orhiJ'" '"^"^"^^"" ^' 
not learn that any immnP^i.f; ^ ^ '"^ ministry. J do 

timt l,e had too lilt "sTp;t,rr,'A"-^^'r"f"'' """ ' """ 
toral office. His failure shS be atr^-ih? ."'f "' " ""■ P^'- 
sical, tiian moral defect re.wP .i ?'"''"'<='' ■'atliei- tc, pi,v. 
foac-h, but of commisel-ati", ' '""" '"" "» '"'J'"^' »' '-i- 

^■'-■ch,„feochiu,re„.,,o„^;er;ti:x^;r,^^^^^^^^^^^^ 



41 

he united in marriage. He was born in Charlestown, near 
Boston, and was graduated at Harvard College, in the year 
1732. After liis dismission he returned with his family to 
the place of his nativity, where, it is expected, the disorder of 
his mind increased so much as to incapacitate him for useful- 
ness to society. But the manner of his life towards the 
close, and the time of his death, I have not been able to 
learn. How grateful to God should all he, who are favoured 
with what ancient philosophy considered the greatest bless- 
ings of life — a sound mind in a sound body. 

I have now, my hearers, delivered to you nearly the one 
half of my history. The remaining part I will, by divine 
permissionj present to you in the afternoon. 



DISCOURSE 11. 



W E proceeded in the morning, through the history of Mr. 
Fowle's ministry. At this period, the numbers and wealth 
of the churcli and society had increased so much, that they 
found their first house of worship too small for their accom- 
modation, and felt themselves able to build another, 
more commodious as to its size, and more expensive and re- 
spectable as to its appearance. Accordingly, I find, by the 
parish records, they commenced the work near the time of 
Mr. Fowle's dismission, and in the course of the ensuing 
year, erected the house* in which we are now assembled. 
This house covers an area of 60 feet, by 45. On the north- 
erly end of the roof, was a belfrey. Two flights of stairs, 
leading to the galleries, were placed on the inside of the 
house. The large front porch, into which the stairs have 
been lemoved, and the steeple in which the bell now hangs, 
have been since erected. 

The disappointment of the church and society in Mr. 
Fowie, seems not to have lessened their attachment to the 
christian religion, nor to the benefits, to be derived from 

* The cost, according to the Society's Treas. wa$ £1522, 19s. Qd. 



IS 

christian teachers. While enj^agcd in building their new 
house, they employed candidates of i^ood character with a 
view to unite in one, who might regularly feed them with 
knowledge, and break unto them the bread of life. 
Among them was a Lawrence,Torrey, Mayhew, and Brown ; 
to the last of whom they gave their united call* to become 
their i)astor. He accepted their call, and on September 2, 
1747, before their new house was quite completed, was or- 
dained to the pastoral office. The services on that occasion 
were — Introductory prayer by Rev. William Smith of Wey- 
mouth : Sermon by Rev. Ward Cotton, text, " make full 
proof of thy ministry :" Charge by Rev. Nathaniel Eelles : 
Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Josiah Cotton : conclu- 
ding prayer by Rev. Shearjashub Bourn of Scituate. 

The talents of the Rev. John Brown were considerably 
more than ordinary. In a stately person he possessed a mind 
whose percp|>tions were quick and clear, and his sentiments 
were generally the result of just reflection. His voice was 
loud and smooth. He thought for himself; and when he had 
formed his opinions, he uttered them with fearless freedom. 
The son of a respectable divine, f he was early well grounded 
in the rudiments of literature. Acquainted, from a child, 
with the Holy Scriptures, from them he formed his religious 
opinions. He believed the Son of God when he said — " Tbe 
Father is greater than I ;'* and although he believed that 
mankind was sinful, yet he did not attribute their sins to his 
immediate act, who is the Author of all ^oorf. His sermons, 
a number of which 1 possess, are fraught with striking 
thoughts, suggested by his subjects ; and presented in such 
a style, as would render them acceptable and impressive even 
to modern hearers. Till advanced in life, he was fond of 
social intercourse, and was able always to make society in- 
nocently cheerful. He would sometimes, it is said, descend 
to that jesting, which an Apostle has told us, is not conven- 
ient, lie was never prone to labour much with his hands, 
nor to intense application of mind, in abstruse subjects. 

A warm friend to the interests of his country, he zealously 
advocated its civil and religious freedom. By appointment 
of government, be served one campaign as chaplain to a co- 
lonial regiment, at Nova Scotia, and for his acceptable ser- 
vice a tract of land, now Liverpool, in that province, was 
granted to him by the crown. Taking a lively interest in 

* It is said there was one opposes only, whom Mr. Brown reconciled 
by a stroke of good humour. Calling- to see the opposer, he enquired the 
cause of opposition. I like your person and manners, said the opposer, but 
your preaching, sir, I disapprove. Then, said Mr. Brown, we are agreed. 
My preaching I do not like very well myself ; but how great the folly for 
■you and I to set up our opinion against that of the whole parish. The'oppo- 
Jer felt, or thought he felt, the folly — and was no longer opposed. 

t Rev. John Brown of Haverhill. 



13 

the American pcvolntion, he encouraged, by example and 
prearhiiig, his fellow-citizens, at home and abroad, patiently 
to make those sacrifices which were demanded by the 
tiines ; predicting at the same time, with the foresight of a 
pi' iphet, the present unrivalled prosperity of his country.* 
Although he zealously advocated the cause of freedom, he 
considered the appropriate duties of his sacred office, para- 
mount to all others. He was constant and careful, till pre- 
vented by the infirmities of age, in his preparations for the 
Lord's day, and regular and acceptable in the discharge of 
parochial duties. During his long ministry, the people of 
his charge were generally attentive to his instructions in the 
house of God, and profited by his administration of the or- 
dinances. He inherited a firm constitution ; and although 
within a few years of his death, he was much enfeebled, 
from want ot exercise in the open air, he still continued to 
preach, with diminished effect, until the last sabbath of his 
life. He died in the 67th year of his age, and 45th of his 
ministry. He sleeps with the first pastor in the centre burial 
ground. To those who knew his worth, his memory is pre- 
cious. While here, he buried two wives and two children, 
and left a widow and one son. The name of his first wife 
was Jane Doane, that of his second Hepzil)ah Ames. 

He recorded the names of 136 persons whom he admitted 
to the church, of 221 children and 25 adults whom he bap- 
tized, and 225 couples whom he united in marriage. Of 
deaths I find no record. 

The persons elected, during his ministry, to the honour- 
able office of deacon, were Jonathan Beal, Isaac Lincoln 3d, 
Amos Joy, Abel Kent, Isaac Burr, and Job Gushing. All 
these, except one, have been released by reason of death or 
age, from their official duties, and with the thanks of the 
church for their faithful services. Deacon Kent and his 
wife, still survive, full of days, and of good fruits, having 
long been of that class to whom the hoary head is a crown 
of glory. 

Although the society, during Mr. Brown's ministry, made 
some accession to their numbers, they made little improve- 
ment in their modes of agriculture, building, or education. 
Living so near the sea, no small portion of them thought it 
easier to plough the deep for bread, than to plough their 
rugged soil. Many engaged in tiie fisheries and in foreign 
voyages. And both in the French war, and that of the Rev- 
olution^ being more exposed to enemies on the seas, than in 

* See his excellent sermon in manuscript, delivered to a company of New 
England soldiers, under the wide spreading Elm in Hingham. He publish- 
ed a Thanksgiving discourse, in the year of the massacre at Boston, in 
which that event is ably discussed. He published also a discourse from 
Jeremiah xvii.9. in which an ingenious comment is given upon the words — 
" The heart is deceitful above all things" &c. 



14 

most other places, a greater proportion of their young meii, 
here, than elsewhere, hore arms in defence of their country. 

When the approaching difficulties, between the American 
colonies and Great Britain, caused frequent town meetings, 
and the society here found it burdensome to transact their civ- 
il concerns with Hingham ; feeling at the same time adequate 
to perform their own business among themselves, they made 
application to the government, to be separated from the juris- 
diction of that town, and to be incorporated as a town, by 
the name of Cohasset. Acc<irdingly,in 1770, they became a 
town, with all the powers and privileges appertaining to such 
corporations. Since that event, the affairs of the town have 
been managed with a good degree of harmony and regular- 
ity. The revolutionary war, however, greatly embarrassed 
them, as it did the whole country. But small improvements 
Mere made, until after the establishment of the federal gov- 
ernment. Since then tiieir improvements have been as great 
as those of most towns of their age and size. 

After the death of Mr. Brown, the church and society im- 
mediately directed their attention to that provision for re- 
ligious instruction, with the administration of the ordinan- 
ces, without which no society will long experience social or- 
der and prosperity. They were supplied six sabbaths, by the 
pall bearers, at the funeral of their late pastor, and then em- 
ployed Mr. Josiah C. Shaw, as their first candidate. With 
him the society were generally pleased, and soon united in 
giving him a call to settle with them in the ministry. He 
accepted their call, and was ordained October 3, 1792. On 
that occasion, Rev. Elijah Leonard of Marshficld, began 
with prayer : Rev. William Shaw of that town preached : 
Rev. Simeon Williams of Weymouth made the consecrating 
prayer: Rev. John Mellen of Hanover gave the Charge : 
Rev. Daniel Shute, D.D. of Hingham gave the Right Hand 
of Fellowship : Rev. Henry Ware of that town concluded 
with prayer. 

The Rev. Josiah C. Shaw was a native of Marshfield. 
His ministry was commenced with fair prospects of tran- 
quillity to himseif, and usefulness to his flock ; but was ab- 
ruptly terminated June 3, 1796. The church and society, to 
their great honour, and notwithstanding the unhappy circum- 
stances in which they were placed, soon took the proper 
steps to supply themselves with another pastor. After hear- 
ing a number of candidates, well recommended, they gave a 
call, without opposition, to their present pastor. With a de- 
liberation due to its solemnity, he accepted the call ; and on 
Jan. 10th 1798, Mas ordained to the pastoral charge of the 
church and society in Cohasset. 

The services on that solemnity were,~Introductory prayer 
by Rev. Caleb Prentiss of Readings Sermon, by Rev. 



Eliot Stone of that town : Ordaining prayer by Rev. Daniel 
Shute, D. D. of Ilingham : Charge by Rev. Gad Hitchcock, 
D. D. of Pembroke : Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. 
Henry Ware of Hingham : Concluding prayer by Rev\ 
David Barns, D. D. of Scituate. Your i)astor was born in 
Reading, north Parish, in the county of Middlesex, and was 
graduated at the University in Cambridge on the Com- 
mencement of 1794. 

I have been with you, my brethren, twenty-four years. 
How I have preached and discharged the duties of my sa- 
cred office, and how you have heard, and with what fidelity 
you have improved, ye are witnesses, and God also, who 
searches the heart, and will, at the day, which he has appoint- 
ed, impartially award us according to the fidelity with which 
we have applied and improved the talents and privileges 
committed to our trust. 

Although in the course of my ministry among you, I have, 
doubtless, been chargeable with many imperfect services 
and unintentional errors, for it is human to err, yet on re- 
view I am not conscious of a single moment, when I have 
not felt accountable to God for my ministerial fidelity, and 
when it has not been my hearts' desire, to promote, by my 
preachitig, prayers, and example, the tempoial and spiritual 
welfaj'e of my flock, in whose respectability and interests I 
have felt my own closely interwoven. And while my suc- 
cess, in your service for Christ's sake, has been far below 
my wishes, I have, nevertheless, reason to believe, that the 
state of the church and society, in regard to religious know- 
ledge, and the influence of christian principles, has been 
somev hat improved. We have had no ministerial nor eccle- 
siastical contention.* 

Although your pastor may, in some particulars, have rea- 
son of C()m1)laint, he would take this opportunity of acknow- 
ledging the receipt, from tJje society, of many favours and 
marks of respect, for whiclj lie has always been truly grate- 

* There is no account of any church meetiug^ for censure of any of its 
membeis, during the ministry of either Mr. Hobart or Mr. Fowle. In Mr.. 
Brown's ministry there were three only hokkn for the purpose of hearing 
ago-rieved brethren, against others who had offended. At each meeting, 
charity and harmony were restored, by professions of repentance in the of- 
fending, and forgiveness in the aggrieved There never was, I believe, a 
member excommunicated from the church in Cohasset. Since my connex- 
ion with it there has been no meeting for censure. There may have been, 
and still may be, members, guilty of conduct which demands repentance and 
reformation ; but from observing the injurious efiects of eccler-iastical censures, 
especially excommunications ; from the destructive heat, which has hereby 
been communicated to the passions, set on fire, not of heaven ; I have Ions; 
thought it the part of wisdom, to let the tares, when we cannot divest them oi 
their bad properties in a private way, grow with the wheat till the harvest. 
Our Lord, though he reproved his disciples for their faults, never expelled 
one from his religious school. If we have enemies in the church, let us fol- 
low the Apostle's directions, to heap coals of fire on their heads. It may, in- 
deed, burn them, but it will be salutary. 



16 

fill*. In seasons of severe afflictionf with which it hath 
pleased God twice to visit him, he received that sympathy 
and attention from the society, which have made impressiims 
on his heart too deep for time to efface. Gratitude to hen- 
efactors, and forgiveness to enemies, accord with the spirit of 
Christ, whose spirit, to be his, we must all possess. 

Since my ordination 8^ persons have been admitted to the 
church, 78 have owned the covenant, 425 children and 38 
adults have been baptized, and 120 couples have been united 
in marriage. There have been 356 deaths. 

The present deacons of the church are Abel Kent, Uriah 
Lincoln, Thomas Brown, and David Beal. The two first, 
by reason of age, have been relieved from their official du- 
ties, with the unanimous thanks of the church for their able 
and faithful services. Dea. Lincoln has recently con- 
ferred a lasting memorial of his pious regard to the table of 
the Lord, by a donation of two large, well wrought, 
silver cups. It is due to the deacons, still ofliciating, to say, 
they magnify their ofiice by their discharge of its duties. 

Within the century we are considering, the town has ed- 
ucated at Cambridge University, seven of its sons. These 
are all still living, except one, namely, Benjamin Pratt Esq. 
who died in 1763. He was son of the first Aaron Pratt of 
this place ; and received the honours of College in 1737, 
His talents were of the first order. He studied the profes- 
sion of the law ; and after highly distinguishing himself at 
the courts of justice in this Commonwealth, was promoted 
to the bench, as chief justice, in the state of New-York. 
The others of this place, who have been graduated at our 
University, sustain characters which reflect honour on the 
place of their nativity, and on this eminently distinguished 
seminary. All, except one, who is providentially deprived 
of a sound mind, are now filling, or pieparingto fill, stations 
in which they may be useful to society and benefactors to 
their country. Eleazer James, in the county of Worcester, 
is highly respectable as a citizen and attorney at law : 
Joshua Bales, S.T.D. is president of Middlebury College in 
the State of Vermont : Isaac Lincoln is an eminent physi- 
cian in the State of Maine, and member of the medical soci- 
ety : T. Stephenson and J. B. Flint are now engaged in the 
study of their respective professions. 

During the last 25 years, the improvements in this town, in 
education, building, navigation, roads, and bridges, have been 

* Since his connexion with them he has received from them an expensive 
gown and cassock, and afterwards the value of a handsome suit of apparel. 
It is not recollected that a year has passed, in which he has not received from 
individuals some presents highly valued by him, as tokens of afi'ection in 
those who presented them . 

t On occasion of the death of a wife and son. 



17 

laudable. More has been done in these particnlars, it is be- 
lieved, than was done in twice that number of years prece- 
ding. This house of worship, built by your fathers, lias re- 
ceived improvements, as to its appearance and arc(tin (nida- 
tion. Since my connexion with the society, it has been 
painted, and there have been added to it a decent steeple, a 
number of pews, and the dress for the pulpit, furnished by 
the ladies.* Let it witness an improvement, in which we 
are all more deeply interested — the weekly offerings of 
spiritual worship by all the members of the society, who are 
able to come up hither on the day which the Lord hath made. 

With more general and enlightened attention to the great 
subject of religion, that firm and only foundation of all that 
is true and lovely and of good report ; with a due increase 
of the church, by the addition of those, whose duty it is to 
commemorate the love and goodness of their Saviour ; witii 
renewed restraint on the passions and appetites, and due care 
and culture of the minds and manners of the young, few so- 
cieties would enjoy more than yours, of the real hlessings of 
life, or be more eligible in which to spend the few days allot- 
ted to men on the earth. Those only who arc travelling the 
road to heaven make good and happy companions in the 
journey of life. The place of our habitation is pleasant for 
situation, with many advantages, and a health giving atmos- 
phere. 

I have now s])oken to you, my hearers, as I intended, of the 
origin of our church and society, and the course of divine 
providence with us, in i-elatiorj to character and imjjrovc- 
ments, through the period of a hundred years. You have 
seen and heard this day, something of the old paths. It re- 
mains for us to adopt the good way, and walk therein, that 
we may find rest for our souls. The old paths, since the 
time of Mr. Hobart, have in some respects been forsaken. 
In his time, a greater number in proportion to tlie members 
of society walked in the church, in covenant with God, Je- 
sus Christ, and each other, than has been the practice of late 
times. Under no pastor, since the first, has the increase of 
the church been proportionate to the increase of the society. 
Whatever be the discharge of moral duties, there can, among 
christians, be no well founded plea for neglect of the author- 
ity of Jesus, by which a public profession of faith in him is 
required, and commemoration of his benevolent sacrifice for 
the welfare of men. It is, therefore, the duty and intei-est of 
the society, to amend their conduct in this particular, that 
their precious privileges may not be without avail to them ; 

* Since this discourse was delivered, tlie house has received a stove, suitable 
sufficiently to warm it. 



18 

but walkin.^ as true disciples, they may hereafter find their 
names written in the Lamb's book of life. 

TJest, is that forwhirh the world is toilin.i^ and panting. 
I'ho old ])aths in this chuirh and society, it is believed, con- 
ducted your fathers to it. Their views and practices, in rc- 
v;nvi\ to christian worshij) and ordinances, with your increase 
of liiclit and im])rovements, in the means and style of livinj^, 
would conduct you thither, in their paths, made farsmootlier 
and more pleasant, than when trodden by them. The christian 
society, foirncd here one century ago, should be considered 
by all the inhabitants of the town, and especially by the de- 
s<'endants of the first settlers, as the parent, under God, of 
what they are, possess, and enjoy. With lively filial sensi- 
bility, t(» its temporal and spiritual interests and respectabili- 
ty, tiiey should seek to do it good, and pray for those who 
wish it Mcll. Consider the sensibility of your Saviour, to- 
wai'd his brethren according to the flesh. In view of the 
calamities coming oo them and their capital, where was the 
temple of their fathei's God, in consequence of their 
depravity, he beheld the city and wept over it. " O 
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often," said he, ** would I 
have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gath- 
ereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not." 
Matt, xxiii. 37. Similar feelings were expressed by the 
Psalmist toward the place and temple where his fathers 
and kindred dwelt and worshipped. " If I forget thee, Je- 
rusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning, if I pre- 
fer not. .Fcrusaleni above my chief joy." It was a Ro- 
man sentiment, dictated by noble feeling, that a good man 
would piKssess such ])atriotism, as would lead him to 
co7!sider it a duly and honour, even to die for his country. 
But llie distinct community which gave him birth, where his 
bicthi'cn and kindred dwelt, and which has fostered him and 
tlicm, and his hopes of immortal joys, has, it would seem, 
prior, if not stronger claims on his love, prayers, and sacri- 
fices for its j)rosperity. And any one who could indulge in 
himself, or countenance in others, a conduct tending to di- 
vide and degrade the little commonwealth — any one who 
could with indillcrence forsake the house and table of the 
Lord, built by his fathers, and consecrated by their prayers 
and communions, as a resting place for themselves and de- 
scendants, on their way to heaven, might be supposed desti- 
tute of all filial piety and gratitude, and ready to violate 
without remorse the first command with promise. 

The changes, ravages, and improvements of a century, are 
great and affecting. The bounds of the place we inhabit, 
were iixed a hundred years ago, but where are the hands 
that fixed them, and the feet that theji trod our streets and 
soil. They, with their bodies have long since crumbled to 



19 

dust, and their spirits, we trust, are in the presence and 
keepinj^ of their God in glory. The greater [)art of four 
generations, who have toiled here, and mingled tlieir prayers 
for themselves and us, have passed off to their account in the 
world of retrihution. Those of the society who were old, 
when I first knew it, excepting two, have finished their work, 
and gone to their rest. Another class, wlio, twenty-four 
years ago, were in the midst of life, the acting guardians of 
the community, have departed, or hecome old, hending to- 
ward the tomb, with its blossoms on their heads ; and their 
children's children begin to appear, and become active on the 
busy stage of life. Your pastor, at that period, comparatively 
young, has seen more than half a century, and been longer 
in the ministry than any of his predecessors, except one, 
having survived, it is believed, the average ministerial life. 
Admonished, therefore, by the lapse of years, and other cir- 
cumstances, to be ready to give an account of his steward- 
ship, he solicits the help of your prayers and profiting, tliat 
he may finish his work witli joy. Of those Avho built this 
house,* in which most of you, by their faith in the promises, 
have been dedicated to the Lord, not one is able tliis day to 
tread its sacred courts, and but one survives. And before 
the years of another century shall have rolled away, we and 
our children, with many of our children's children, sliall 
have joined the great congregation of the dead ; and poster- 
ity yet unborn sliall stand in our places. As generations 
arise and pass off, may God dispose and enable the risen, to 
prepare the rising, for useful and honourable services in so- 
ciety, and for unfading joys in his kingdom, of whose mild 
and righteous government there shall be no end. 

The changes and improvements effected the past century, 
around you, in this land of promise, arc suited to excite 
gratitude and admiration. See this Commonwealth and 
New England, a hundred years ago, poor and dependent 
colonies, with a few scattered plantations in a vast wilderness, 
feeling and dreading the tomahawk of the savage ! now ele- 
vated to sovereign states, overspread with splendid towns 
and villages, adorned with temples dedicated to religion and 
science, and forming the best part of a mighty, independent 
nation ; its soil subdued as a fruitful field, exchanging pro- 
ductions with all nations of the earth ; and its inhabitants, 
with the ligltt of religion and learning beaming upon them, 
are permitted to sit under their own vines and fig ti-ccs, hav- 
ing none to molest, or make them afraid. 

Let the mind, for a moment, survey the world. What 
changes, of a ])hysical and political nature, and what an in- 
crease of intellectual and moral light, does the last century 

* It is 74 years old. 



20 

present ? The millions of human bein.i^s, peoplin.q; the whole 
e;iitli, have been swept away, and their places filled with new 
generations, once, and again. He who balances all worlds by 
his power, giving to them motion and laws, by terribly shak- 
ing the nations, and overturning principalities and domin- 
ions, de|)ressing the mighty, and strengthing the powerless, 
has brought forward on the stage of the world, actors, with 
dispositions and powers to break the sceptres of tyranny, in 
church and state ; and to temper human governments with 
a salutary portion of freedom and benevolence. Many fea- 
tures on the face of human society, which, hut a few years 
since, were deformed and frowning, have been made to give 
place to others of beautiful and benignant expression. 

The philosophy of the human mind, but just perceived a 
century ago, has been developed, and its sublime powers 
clearly arranged and illustrated. Much of the rubbish of 
human invention, collected by ignorance or guile about the 
holy scriptures, obscuring their truth, has been cleared away, 
and their evidence made convincing, so that their light more 
clearly marks the path to virtue and heaven ; and, that this 
divine light might be extended, with the extent of the earth, 
divine providence has so combined and disposed the piety, 
wisdom, and wealth of Christendom, that its cheering rays 
have been diffused among men of all nations and languages, 
from the rising to the setting sun. By the discovery and ap- 
plication of the properties and laws of the elements in which 
all creatures subsist, what new force has been imparted to 
the powers and faculties of man ? Human vision has been 
extended to immensely distant, and to men, new worlds, 
moving in the infinity of space ; electricity, that powerful 
minister of life and deatli, has been directed in its course ; 
and by the application of steam, numerous machines of great 
power and utility, have been brought into use, and the wa- 
ters of the world are navigated without wind or canvass. 
And what art or science can be named, that has not, within 
the hundred years past, been advanced in utility and 
perfection ? All this has been, and yet it is a wise enquiry, 
»' What is a century ? He that should have lived through 
all, and look on the world in its present state, would almost 
fe' 1 as if the whole had been effected in a moment, by the 
wand of enchantment : — the time has fled like a dream> 
"What then will time be to those, who know, as we do, that 
we have probably but a small part of such a period to live ! 
01). thai we might learn so to number our days, that we should 
apply our heai-ts unto wisdom !"* 

" Century Discourse by Rev. Henry Ware, jun. 



31 

Finally. Viewing yourselves, my brethren, but as a con- 
tinuation and enlargement of the christian society, formed here 
a century ago, your first reflection should be, that you owe to 
the providence of God, all the blessings relating to the pres- 
ent and the future life which have attended it ; that its con- 
tinuance and improvements press on you and your children, 
this day, irresistible claims for lively gratitude, unfeigned 
repentance, and most hearty vows of obedience to your fath- 
er's God and Redeemer. Extending your views forward a 
century to come, when you and I shall all have long slept with 
our fathers, consider what this town, with its society may 
thru be. If its secular and religious prosperity shall duly 
advance, this house of God shall be proportionably in- 
creased in size and be filled with christian worshippers ; and 
all, of mature years, who worship at its altar, shall worship 
also at the table of tlie Lord. Succeeding generations hav- 
ing fulfilled the duties of their day of probation, shall pass 
off, to join their fathers, and the church of the first born, iu 
regions, where time will not be divided into periods by re- 
volving worlds, but where our existence and joys will be 
commensurate in duration with God their Author. Amen, 



GEOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

OF 



,() 



CoHAssET, a post town, in the county of Norfolk, is in 
extent, from north to south, about four and an half miles ; and 
from cast to west, about four. It is bounded on the west, by 
Ilingham and Hull : on the north and north east, by Massa- 
chusetts Bay : and on the south east and south, by Scituate. 

SURFACE AND SOIL. 

The part next to the sea, a few rods above high water 
mai'k, and in some places bounding the water, is a chain of 
rocky hills and precipices, forming a rampart against the in- 
vading waves, almost from one end of the town to the other. 
This chain is in some places broken, leaving spaces for a few 
small streams to run into the sea; and the sea, flowing at 
flood tide, into their mouths, covers the low lands, forming a 
number of salt marshes. 

The most northerly division, about a mile in width, includ- 
ing the part already described, abounds with rocks and hills. 
Little of it is suitable for tillage, some pai'ts are covered 
with wood, oak, walnut, and upland cedar. A considerable 
part of it, however, furnishes good pasturage. 

A second division, about one mile in width, including the 
common, on which stands the meeting house, furnishes an 
excellent soil ; and except some places, rather too rocky, is 
well adapted to all the purposes of agriculture. It is a deep, 
black soil, spaiingly intermingled with gravel. The com- 
mon is a pleasant juain of about ten acres, dressed, in the 
season of vegetation, with a garment of deep verdure. In 
the south easterly part, near the meeting house, is a hand- 
some little pond of fresh water, about eight rods in diam- 
eter, round as a basiji, and never dry. Through this divis- 
ion, runs the principal road, leading from Hingham to Scituate. 

On the south west part of this division, is a fine svvell of 
land and moderate hills, extending the whole length of the 
town. Its soil may be classed with that of the first quality ; 
producing grass, corn, grain, and vegetables in great abun- 
dance. Although it has yielded its increase for ahundred years, 
its strength still remains. The hills are no where so steep, 
as to prevent the plough running to their summits. On the 
south side of this swell, is a fresh pond of ninety acres, 
abounding with pike and other fish, common to fresh water. 
A third division for a mile in width, is wood land, yielding 
walnut, beach, oak, maple, and pine, and is so loaded in 
many parts, with ponderous rocks, as forever to bafile the 
hand of culture. A fourth division, in width about a mile, 
extending to Scituate line, consists partly of soil similar to 

tore 



23 

that of the second divis'on, and partly of a light soil of easy 
tillai^e. Through this division I'uns the heachwood street, 
and through a part of it, flows the prinripal stream in Co- 
hasset, which is respectahle enough to be called a river ; but 
in Hutchinson's history of New England, is called Conohas- 
set rivulet, forming, anciently, the boundary line between 
Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies. 

AGRICULTURE AND PRODUCE. 

A considerable number of the inhabitants of this town, 
from their situation, depend more on navigation, for their sup- 
port and wealth,than on agriculture. There are a considerable 
number, however, bred to husbandry; a number of persons 
also engaged in other business, have large and well cultivated 
farms, and almost every householder possesses a portion of 
land,which he cultivates. In the town, there are,deducting for 
roads and water, 5633 acres ; 141 of which are tillage, pro- 
ducing on an average, 2822 bushels of corn, 457 bushels of 
rye, and 223 bushels of barley. Of upland mowing ground, 
there are 466 acres, producing 345 tons of English hay ; of 
fresh meadow, there are 301 acres, producing 211 tons of 
fresh hay ; of salt marsh,there are 69 acres, producing 32 tons 
of salt hay. The pasturage 2562 acres, is peculiarly sweet 
and nourishing, enabling the farmers to raise and fatten 
some of the finest cattle and sheep, that are seen in the mar- 
ket. 

NAVIGATION AND FISHERIES. 

There are 41 vessels of different tonnage, owned in Co- 
hasset. Of these 1067 tons are employed in tiic mackerel 
fishery. They take, in a season, 2420 barrels ; 200 tons 
are employed in the cod fisliery ; taking 2.590 quintals of 
cod fish.* The fishing vessels employ 223 men and boys. 
Some of the largest vessels, are employed in foreign trade. 
After the season for taking fisli, a number of the fishing ves- 
sels are employed in the coasting trade with various parts of 
the United States, and some in trade with the West Indies. 
Cohasset harbour at the east part of the town is formed by a 
small bay, nearly a mile inland, into which the sea and ves- 
sels pass,through a considerable channel. The channel was 
pr«.bably created, and is still kept open, and the harbour 
ma(ie deeper and wider, by the flowing into it, on the south 
end, i(f Conohasset river, and into that on the southwest, of 
another small stream, sometimes called James' river, fioni 
its crossing the street, near the dwelling house of the late 
Christopher James. The water of the harbour, is not at 
aiiy time suflicicnlly deep for vessel of large burthen, when 
ladened ; but is very commodious and safe, for those from 
eighty to a hundred tons. 

* The estimate of the fisheries, may not, perhaps, be correct for any one 
year, but may be considered as an average for a number of yeiirj. 



24 

To ronduct vessels with safety into the harbour, requires 
the skill of seamen well acriuainted with the entrance. 
About the entrance, extending to the east and west, and some 
at two miles from the shore, are scattered those deadly en- 
emies to mariners, long and far known by the name of Co- 
hassct rocks. The spaces, now water, between these rocks, 
were probably, at some very ancient period, filled with earth, 
softer than that on the present shores, rendering the promon- 
tory commensurate with the outermost rock. The attrition 
of the waters, pouring into, and from the Bay, may have re- 
moved the softer earth, till they came to those solid ram- 
parts with which nature has lined the present shores. These, 
nothing short of Almighty power can remove. They have 
always said, and will forever prevailingly say to the invad- 
ing ocean, hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and 
here shall thy proud waves be stayed. 

A good knowledge of the Cohasset rocks, and the Graves 
off the shores of Nahant, is requisite to navigate with safe- 
ty the waters of the Bay. If in the night, or bad weather, 
the commander or pilot be ignorant of his situation, or sleep 
at his post, like Palinurus of old, he will be in the utmost 
danger of shipwreck and death, from a Scylla on the one 
hand, and Charybdis on the other. The rocks have been so 
well surveyed and marked, that their situation is sufficiently 
known. There is one circumstance, however, which I fear 
has not been sufficiently observed, by mariners, sailing from 
the southern cape. The flood tide ordinarily sets in toward 
the rocks, with considerably greater force than that with 
which it ever sets out. Consequently, if there be not, in 
running, a correspondent allowance made for leeway, the 
ship will be in danger of falling on the entering rock, or some 
rocks above it. 

The people of this town have had frequent calls for their 
compassionate exertions, in behalf of suffering seamen. 
That they have been prompt to answer these cal]s,is manifest 
from the number of medals and other rewards of merit, 
■which they have received, not only from the society whose 
name* designates its heavenly purposes, but from gratitude 
expressed in distant countries. Among tiie many instances 
of distress by shipwreck, in which the kindest assistance 
and relief have been given, one only will be here noticed, 
the circumstances of which do equal credit perhaps to those 
who gave, and to those who received relief. On February 
12, 1793, the ship Gertrude-Maria, of 400 tons, bound from 
Copenhagen to Boston, with a cargo, estimated at ^40,000, 
and commanded by Hans Peter Clien, was wrecked on a 

* Huuiaiie. 



%5 * 

small island, among Coliasset rocks, called Brush Island^ 
Having entered the Bay, the commander knew not the 
danger of Iiis situation. Clouds obscured the light of the 
sun by day, of the moon and stars by night, and no small 
tempest with frost and snow lay upon them. In the awful 
war of elements, the ship was at the mercy of the fierce 
winds and mountainous billows.* These threw her first 
upon a small ledge, where she suffered but partial injury > 
then on the Island, just named, whose sides are covered 
with pointed ledges. On these, the angry surges raised 
and depressed her with violence, till they broke her asun- 
der. Death now staring every man in the face, trial 
was made by two men with a boat, to reach the shoi-e. 
The boat was dashed to pieces. One was drowned, the 
other left to recover the wreck. At length, by extending a 
spar from the stern of the wreck, the survivors all got upon 
the Island, where the waves could not reach them. Here 
they tarried, in the tempest, chilled with wet and frost, with- 
out fire or house to shelter them, till discovered early the 
next morning by the inhabitants of the town. Means for 
granting relief, were immediately adopted. A boat was 
quickly brought to the beach, a mile over land. She was 
manned without delay, and plunged into the agitated surf, at 
tlie imminent hazard of the lives of the adventurers. She 
reached the Island, and brought off tlsree of the sufferers. 
Another attempt was immediately made, but the storm and 
the tumult of the sea, increasing, it was frustrated by the 
destruction of the boat against the rocks. Two other boats 
were soon bi'ought from a distance, and the dauntless exer- 
tions of the boatmen were renewed, till the sufferers, twenty 
one in number, were all safely landed on the shore. Thence 
they were conveyed to the houses of Elisha Doane,esq. and 
other gentlemen, where they were carefully warmed, cloth- 
ed, and fed, as their frozen and perishing condition requir- 
ed. At these houses they remained, imbibing the wine and 
the oil, ministered by tlie hand of compassion, till their 
wounds were healed, and health restored. In the mean time, 
due attention was paid to their property, now the sport of 
the waters. An account of articles of the smallest, as well 
as of greater value, was given to the master of the ship ; inso- 
much, that when all was collected, that could be saved, and 
sold at auction, its amount was 12,000 dollars. >yhen the 
Capt. and his men, (all it is said of the royal navy of his 
country,) were provided with another vessel, and ready to 
leave the town, their hearts were swollen with grateful emo- 
tions toward those, who, under God, had delivered and 
chcrislicd them in their perils and distress. Tlie Captain, a 

* Continuo venti volvnnt mare maf;iiaqHe surgunt, 

.'Eqiiora : dispcrsi jactamur gurgite vasto. Virg. 

4 



26 

man of much respectability, unable to utter his feelings, told 
liis benefactors they should liear from liim again. He sailed 
IVom Boston, and touching at St. Croix, published there an 
affecting account of the compassion and hospitality he had 
experienced from the people of Cohasset. When arrived in 
Denmark, he gave to the king, such a representation of the 
])eople here, as induced his majesty to order the College of 
Commerce to send in his majesty's name, four large medals 
of gold, and ten of silver, with the likeness of himself im- 
pressed on one side, and with Danish words on the other, 
importing, Reward of Merit — NoI)le Deeds. 

With the medals of gold came directions — One for Rev. 
Josiah C. Shaw—One for Elisha Doane, esq. — One for 
Capt. John Lewis — and one for Capt. Levi Tower. The 
silver medals were designed for other citiz(Mis, who had been 
most active in giving relief to the sufferers. Honourable 
nolice was likewise taken by the Humane Society, of the 
commendable humanity, here manifested to strangers in dis- 
ti'ess, and a |)eriiniary donation was gi'anted to the deserving 
agents. The Governor of the Island of St. Croix manifes- 
ted also, the high sense he entertained of the benevolence of 
the peoj)le here, by his extraordinary kindness, on that ac- 
count, to a gentleman from Boston. Mr. Daniel Hubbai-d, 
a respectable merchant of that town, was taken dangerously 
sick, on his passage home, from abroad, and put into tlie 
harbour of St. Croix, with a view to obtain medical aid and 
other assistance, which his perilous condition required. At 
first he was i-efused admission, proliibited by the laws of the 
place, lest he should communicate his sickness. But as soon 
as it was made known to tlie governor, that he was fr-oni 
Boston, he was removed on shore, and the best medical aid, 
and every assistance and courtesy granted him, till he was 
recovered ; for which, all compensation was refused — the 
governor alledging, that he was warranted in his conduct, 
by the humanity atid great kindness ('ai)t. Clien and his 
crew had experienced, w hen shipwrecked at Cohasset, near 
Boston. 

VILLAGE. 

The Village stands partly on the common, and partly be- 
low it. The street thi'ough it i-uns in a south easterly direc- 
tion to the end of the common, and tiien bends to theeastward, 
till it comes to the harbour. There are 44 houses in the 
village. Of these, 26 have two stories ; one has tliree. 
Near the centre is the Meeting-house. A few rods from it is 
a two story building, erected for an academy. It lias a large 
front porch, two large schocd rooms on the first floor, with a 
spacious hall over them, extending the whole length of tho 
building. 



S7 

CLIMATE AND DISEASES. 

Coliasset is in lat. 42° 13' N. about, 17 miles south by cast 
from Boston. Its situation is licatlifiil. It has a salubrious 
atmosphere, excepting at times in March and April, when 
the north east winds, coming direct from the sea, are very 
chilling, and trying to lungs, unaccustomed to them. Con- 
sumjition is the most prevalent disease. No epidemic,, prov- 
ing very mortal, has for many years been experienced. — Foi* 
deaths, see second division. 

MANUFACTURES AND TRADE. 

A quantity of woollen and cotton cloths are manufactured 
in almost every family ; and with utensils, needful in their 
several callings, the inhabitants are mostly furnished by 
their own mechanics. Vessels of good construction are 
built at the harbour. There are in the town two grist mills, 
and one saw-mill. At the mouth of the river is a flour man- 
ufactory, on a large scale, with complicated machinery, hav- 
ing four pair of impnrtcfl stones ; one pair, however, are 
used as a grist mill. There arc in the town a number of ex- 
tensive salt works, at which about 5500 bushels of salt are 
annually made. The trade of Cohasset is considerable. 
Beside the trading vessels already mentioned, tliere are five 
retail stores invested with considerable capitals. 

CURIOSITIES. 

Near the base of a large mass of solid rock, on Cooper's 
Island, so called, is a curious excavation, which has the name 
of tiie Indian Pot. Its cavity is as round, smooth, and reg- 
ular as a well foi'med seething Pot ; and will hold about 12 
pails full. On the same mass of rock, is another excavji- 
tion. called the Indian Well. The inside of the well, from 
the bottom about four feet u|)ward, is a circle, the rest of it, 
about six feet more, is semi-circular, opening to the east. 
The pot and well were nearly in their present state, when 
the town was fn-st settled. Tl)c former, it is conjectured, was 
ma{le by the Indians for the two fold purpose of pounding 
their parched corn, and boiling their food. Heat was pro- 
bably, communicated to water in it, by heated stones, after 
the manner of the Islanders in the Pacific Ocean. The lat- 
ter, might serve as a reservoir of fiesh water, received from 
the clouds ; as there is no stream very near. In the ground 
near the well have been found axes and otiicr tools, made and 
used by the natives, which pi-ove the place to have been once 
the residence of many of that people. 
EDUCATION. 

In 1797 a number of gentleman united and erected a hand- 
some building foi- an Aeademy. It had a preceptor aud was 
sufficiently supplied with scholars for a number of years : 



28 

but having no permanent funds, it is not now in a flourishing 
state. There are in the town, four district schools, taught in 
the winter by male instructors, and in the summer, by well 
educated females. Beside these, there are, generally, pri- 
vate schools, in one or more of which are taught English 
grammar, composition, geography, and the languages. In 
the village is a social library, of about 200 volumes of val- 
uable books. 

HOUSES AND POPULATION. 
Cohasset contains 160 dwelling houses. Those in the 
village, generally, and many in other parts of the town 
Itave two stories. A considerable number are built after the 
best modern style, and are handsomely painted. Whitting- 
ton's Hotel, now owned by Mr. John J. Lathrop, jun. is a 
large roomy house, situated at Sandy Cove. Its situation 
commands some of the finest water ])rospects, and much of 
very pleasant rural scenery. It has been, in the hot seasons, 
a favourite resort for gentlemen and ladies from the metro- 
polis. In the town are 1 100 inhabitants. 

ROADS AND BRIDGES. 
The town was originally laid out, as near as might be, in 
squares, whose sides should be one mile. It was divided in- 
to four parts, called divisions, by lines running nearly east 
and west, the whole length of the town, each division being 
a mile in width. These divisions were separated into parts 
or squares, by lines one mile from each other, running at 
right angles Miththe lines of divisions. It was intended by 
the proprietoi's of Conohasset, that roads, if possible, should 
run with the lines which marked the divisions and squares, 
and spaces of land for that purpose were accordingly left. 
But when the roads were really made, it was found necessa- 
ry to vary much from the original design, owing to the im- 
moveable rocks and other obstructions, falling in the way. 
The roads in every part of the town, have, within a few- 
years, been generally much improved. When the valuable 
new road, mostly made the last year, through the swamp 
a»id plain, shall be completed, the road will be good and pret- 
ty straight from Hingham to Cohasset harbour. To facil- 
itate the communication with Scituate and the country be- 
low, two valuable bridges, were the last season, thrown over 
Conohasset river, one of stone at Lincoln's mill, and one of 
timber well constructed, near the flour factory . 



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